I don't get it, Autodesk has developed versions of AutoCAD for virtually every other construction trade. They have MEP for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing, and they have Architecture and Civil Engineering but there's nothing for Fire Protection. Fire Protection, Sprinkler system design is not plumbing! I'm so tired of using cheap backward rip off programs and wish the original software designer (Autodesk) would develop this program for Fire Protection Engineers.
We need a good solid program that can do the following:
- Coordinate between all the other AutoCAD drawings that MEP Contractors and Architects use.
- Help run Hydraulic Calculations (and not have to resort to HASS).
- There are other products that I simply draw a remote area (basically a selection box) and it Nodes the Sprinkler heads, and runs the calculations based off the water supply information I already entered into the water source element block.
- Adjust pipe sizes on the fly by entering a pipe schedule (I.e. change all pipe sizes from 1" to 1½".)
- List all materials for the job in a fabrication list to send out to a fab shop with adjustable options.
There's so many more options other programs have built in to try and make life easier, but it would be better done by the original developers of AutoCAD.
I've used non autoCAD based programs like AutoSPRINK, and complete AutoCAD add ons like Fire ACAD and HydraCAD, and a complete AutoCAD Rip off like SprinkCAD and with the exception of autoSPRINK, all the others leave alot to be desired. The only reason I don't use AutoSPRINK is because i have to "Import" AutoCAD drawings into it's own format. Currently I just use AutoCAD and draw symbols and lines representing what I want for pipe and Sprinklers, and list material by hand (typing in Excel Spreadsheets). All the others I still have to buy AutoCAD with the add on, so I'm spending more then just buying AutoCAD which just irritates me more. When it comes to calcs I use a program called HASS but would prefer something a little more cutting edge.
HASS is a data entry based calculation program and I have to spend extra time re-entering lengths, fittings, elevations, sprinkler information (K factors, orifice sizes). Autodesk, if they spent sometime learning what Fire Protection needs could make life so much easier. Like make a Source element where I enter the water information, elevation, pressures, flow, and draw a remote area around the sprinklers with the most demand and it simply "runs" the calc with all the information entered in. No need to duplicate entering in pipe sizes, lengths, elevations, sprinkler information and so on.
Come on Autodesk, please give me something in 2010!